I took it easy during the week to make sure that my legs would be itching to run on Saturday. They were!

Because I'm still sorting through the 548 photos from the marathon (thank you, camera sport mode and my children), I'll just set the scene for my pre-marathon inspiration.

My training buddy dropped off a special autism puzzle headband (represent!) and some road trip snacks on Friday. The kids are still talking about how she is the nicest person they know. Tip: if you bring my kids chocolate and fruit snacks, you are automatically their best friend.

My number one fans joined me for Friday's road trip to Mississippi.

Kids are the best marathon supporters because they keep things fun and constantly want snacks, and every marathoner ever needs fun (to keep the nervousness at bay) and snacks.

When the kids get older, they can write you inspirational messages that may or may not make sense, like this one from my daughter.

In a way it does make sense, because during the last six miles of a marathon, the road, the Garmin, the people, and, well, everything fades away. It's just you, your spaghetti legs, your burning lungs, and a really strong desire to cross the finish line. And I bet that in a thousand years, those twelve seconds between me and my BQ won't mean anything.

But I am kind of hoping that in a thousand years my descendants will still be bringing the funk like Creed does on the daily.

Creed dancing at the marathon after party.

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Winner of the New Year New Rules giveaway is #33 Marla Lenox, who is one lucky lady. This is two wins in a row for her, which is unprecedented for my giveaways. Marla, I'll be emailing the info for you to sign up for the two-week course, and maybe you can mail me your lucky penny.

Thank you to the Prescribe Nutrition team for sponsoring this giveaway. If you didn't win but still want to try out the two-week program, go here to find out more about registration. The program runs Feb. 18 - March 4, and the registration deadline is Feb. 15. Cost for the program is $149. Get 20% off with the code NYNR20.

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What is your marathon (or running/racing in general) inspiration?Do you have a favorite road trip snack? On this road trip, it was bananas. Usually it's chips.

Are any of your running clothes good luck? I am a little superstitious and don't want to wear (possibly ever again) the same shoes I wore at Rocket City.

I had a lucky/favorite sports bra that I wore in high school races. And did you know high schoolers race like 3x a week? I am sure I threw a fit every time I found it crumpled in my backpack the morning of a race because my mom didn't find and wash it. Clearly that should have been her responsibility. ;) I love the letter from your daughter! It is funny how much it really does make sense.

The letter is adorable. SO sweet and really quite profound. I would have cried a lot if I'd been given that letter. She seems slightly prophetic too...woah!! I don't have any superstitions - it would only stress me out if I got any of them wrong. I do however like to paint my nails to match my outift...which is kind of silly really!!

That note from your daughter was so sweet!!! I love when kids write heart-felt thoughts (even if it makes more sense to them than to us). Blank on inspiration right now.Even though my boys like snacks on road trips, I try not to eat many - something about sitting in the car doing nothing for hours makes me feel the need to not eat - not good, I know - one of those weird things I can't get past!!

I'd have to say that my favourite road trip snack of late are Tamari Almonds. I can whip up a batch really fast and they are so good! I am superstitious when it comes to my racing gear. I haven't worn my runners from my first half marathon since that race and if I had a bad race I don't think I would wear the same articles of clothing to another one. Love the note from your daughter! So special and sweet! And you have a wonderful running buddy! She's a keeper!

A little late on the comment but I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry that you fell just short again. The harder the fight, the sweeter the victory! I've run a half with a Garmin of 13.33. My rule is that if every mile is 1.01 or 1.02, it's probably accurate but if there's one really long mile, it's off.I've also heard that all certified courses are at least 40 yards long plus the tangents. Total bull that the BAA cut off the 59 second grace period.